ANIMAL LOVERS can use their vacations to connect with animals beyond their pets. Private tour companies and nonprofits are happy to oblige. Here’s a sampling of immersive experiences now available in North America.

Dolphins and whales in California

Passengers on Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safaris in Dana Point ride on a catamaran with underwater viewing pods. They get up-close encounters with groups of as many as 5,000 dolphins and five species of whales. Says owner Dave Anderson: “It’s as close as you can get to these animals without getting wet.” | dolphinsafari.com

Sea turtles in Hawaii

Take a kayak trip within close sight of green sea turtles in Oahu’s Kawela Bay. “We have two dozen resident turtles in the bay, and guests are educated about each turtle we spot,” says Scott Sundby, owner of Shaka Kayaks at Turtle Bay Resort. Don’t worry if you aren’t an experienced kayaker. “We can tow guests if they get tired.” | turtlebayresort.com/blog/kayak-sea-turtles and shakakayaks.com

Wolves and foxes in Missouri

The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka has worked for over 50 years to restore the animals to their native habitats. Visitors can view Mexican wolves, red wolves, swift foxes and African painted dogs and also test their vocal skills in the “Evening Wolf Howl.” | endangered wolfcenter.org

Wild horses in California

Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary in California is a safe haven for wild horses and burros. “Even non-horse people find it very powerful when encountering horses living in natural herds and the beauty of it all,” says sanctuary board president Neda DeMayo. | returntofreedom.org —kathy strong